WCU student dies of bacterial meningitis

WEST CHESTER — A vigil celebrating the life of the West Chester University student who died after contracting bacterial (meningococcal) meningitis is set to begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at Sykes Student Union.

West Chester University President Greg Weisenstein announced Tuesday that student Sean Casey had died as a result of the infection.

Casey, a 21-year-old student from Whitehall, Pa., was a junior in the honors program at the college of visual and performing arts. Weisenstein said Casey was active in campus life as a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Musical Fraternity, Honors Student Association and a respected leader who worked in the Sykes Union Building as a student director. University officials confirmed Casey was not a resident of university housing this academic year.

“The loss of a student touches everyone on the campus, and I know that Sean and his family will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead,” Weisenstein said. “It is important to keep in mind that our school of music faculty, honors program staff, student affairs staff, as well as faculty in the Counseling Center will be available to assist any students as they learn of this sad news. We extend our deepest condolences to the Casey family and all of Sean’s friends and classmates during this very difficult time.”

Advertisement

According to university representatives, a makeshift memorial was set up near a kiosk in Sykes Thursday where students jotted thoughts and memories of Casey.

A Penn State spokesperson said the University Health Services is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to identify any individuals who came in contact. The spokesperson confirmed as of Thursday afternoon all students who came in contact with Casey had been notified.

The West Chester University said the Student Health Center continues to work with the Chester County Department of Health to determine those who were in contact with Casey and treat appropriately.

As the contacts are identified, they will be notified by the Health Center or the Department of Health and given the accepted treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control state that bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can lead to serious complications, though most people who develop the condition recover.

The Chester County Health Department identifies meningitis as an inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord that can be of bacterial or viral origin.

The university said the meningococcal infection is not highly contagious, though it is transferable person-to-person through direct saliva contact such as kissing, sharing eating utensils, food, using the same beverage container or being within three to four feet of an infected person when they cough. An individual who has had close contact with the diagnosed student may be considered to have been exposed, and it is recommended that they be treated with antibiotics.

According to the university, only those in close contact with the diagnosed student will be treated. Routine classroom and school contacts are usually not a risk.

The Centers for Disease Control list symptoms of the condition to be sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and altered mental status. Symptoms can appear quickly, typically developing three to seven days after exposure.

The center stated in the United States about 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis, including 500 deaths, occurred each year between 2003–2007.

Anyone developing symptoms is encouraged to see a physician immediately. The university urges students to contact the Student Health Center, a family doctor, or go to the nearest emergency room, informing them of any exposure to meningitis.

The Chester County Department of Health will continue to investigate the situation. Anyone with questions should contact the Student Health Center at 610-436-2509 or the Chester County Department of Health at 610- 344-6452.

University representatives said they will continue to give updates as information becomes available.

For more information on meningitis, visit the Chester County Health Department website at: http://chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=852